An Analysis of Millets in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, India: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The study examined the growth in area, production and yield of millets in Odisha and  Madhya Pradesh, India. The data for the study was obtained from the website of  indiastat.com. The crops selected were bajra, jowar, ragi and small millets. The data on area, production and productivity were collected from 2000-01 to 2020-21. The analytical tools used in the study are compound growth rate and coefficient of variation. The results showed that millet area had been declining over time but the production has increased. Area and production of bajra was declining in Odisha, it was increasing in Madhya Pradesh. Jowar’s area and production are declining in both states but the yield is increasing. In terms of yield, ragi exhibited the highest variability in Odisha, whereas in Madhya Pradesh, the highest variability was observed in the area and production of ragi. Odisha showed the highest growth rate in the yield of bajra, while in Madhya Pradesh, the highest growth rate was observed in the yield of small millets. Millets consumption needs to be promoted among people who require gluten-free fiber rich diet, and wants to consume organic products for health benefits. The promotion of organic farming in millets by state governments should be encouraged, considering its inherent resistance to a wide range of pests and diseases.